Cleveland council authorizes consultant for police and fire promotion exams redesign

In the heart of Cleveland's city hall, council members gathered on June 2, 2025, to discuss a pivotal ordinance aimed at enhancing the promotional examination process for the city's police and fire departments. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as officials sought to ensure fairness and equity in public safety promotions.

The ordinance, introduced by Council Members Polincic and Griffin, seeks to authorize the hiring of professional consultants to develop, administer, and grade promotional exams for various ranks within the police and fire divisions. This move is seen as essential to maintaining a transparent and equitable process, particularly for positions such as sergeant, lieutenant, and captain in the police department, and lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, and assistant fire chief in the fire department.

During the meeting, officials emphasized the importance of using external consultants, a practice that has become standard in Cleveland's promotional processes. The rationale is clear: these experts bring a wealth of experience and objectivity that can help mitigate biases that may arise in internal assessments. Councilwoman House Jones raised critical questions about the design and grading of these exams, particularly regarding their reflection of the community's needs and the potential for implicit bias in the testing process.

The discussion highlighted the rigorous methodology employed by the consultants, including the use of job descriptions, reference materials, and input from subject matter experts. However, concerns lingered about whether the previous testing cycles had produced candidates that truly represented the diversity of Cleveland's population. Council members expressed a desire for a more formalized approach to ensure that implicit biases are addressed, suggesting collaboration with the city's health equity and social justice teams.

As the meeting progressed, it became evident that while the city is committed to a fair promotional process, there is still work to be done. The council acknowledged the need for ongoing evaluation of the testing methods to ensure they are not only fair but also inclusive. The conversation underscored a broader commitment to equity within the city's public safety framework, leaving attendees with a sense of both progress and the challenges that lie ahead.

In conclusion, the ordinance represents a significant step toward refining Cleveland's promotional processes in public safety. As the city moves forward, the emphasis on fairness, community representation, and the elimination of bias will be crucial in shaping the future of its police and fire departments. The council's commitment to these principles signals a hopeful direction for the city, one that prioritizes the voices and needs of all its residents.